Cricket continues to hold a significant place in MS Dhoni’s life, but according to his former India teammate Zaheer Khan, it’s “not everything” for the enigmatic cricketer known for his ability to surprise the world and his penchant for exploring diverse interests. At 42, the legendary two-time World Cup-winning captain is gearing up to lead Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the forthcoming IPL season, a role he’s embraced since stepping away from international cricket four years ago.
“MS Dhoni understood a long time ago that he is passionate about cricket and it is an integral part of his life. But it couldn’t be everything,” Zaheer Khan shared in an episode dedicated to Dhoni on JioCinema.
In addition to Dhoni’s illustrious achievements such as leading India to World Cup victories and guiding CSK to a joint-record five IPL titles, he has also demonstrated a keen interest in pursuits beyond the cricket field. Zaheer emphasized the importance of switching off from the game and finding balance, highlighting Dhoni’s diverse interests, including his passion for motorcycles.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli Describes Winning The IPL Trophy As A Dream
“When you’re playing, switching off (from the game) is very important. Cricket is not everything. Every cricketer has to face this eventually. When you step away from the game, you may not have a lot of options. We’ve seen many athletes struggle after retiring because they gave everything to the game, and when they left it, they didn’t know what to do,” Zaheer Khan elaborated.
Echoing similar sentiments, former India and CSK all-rounder Suresh Raina expressed his desire to see Dhoni continue playing in the IPL for another five years. He also pondered over the crucial question of Dhoni’s successor as captain and the future leadership dynamics within CSK.
WATCH – MS Dhoni’s Vintage Helicopter Shot Lights Up CSK Practice Session
“The biggest question is who’ll be their next captain? Even if Dhoni stepped away as captain, he’ll be in the dugout whether it’s as a mental toughness coach or just for his presence. But the question is, who is he going to nurture? This is a pivotal year for CSK. Who does MS have his eyes on? Ruturaj Gaikwad is a good option. This year is a very important year for CSK, more than for MS Dhoni,” Suresh Raina remarked.
With the IPL season commencing on Friday, reigning champions CSK are set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opener, marking the beginning of yet another thrilling cricketing extravaganza.
